Kathmandu – In a significant milestone for local energy development, the 6-megawatt Relekhola Hydropower Project, located in Lekgaun, Annapurna Rural Municipality-4, Narchyang, has officially begun supplying electricity to Nepal’s national transmission system.

Promoted by Hume Consult Pvt. Ltd., the project has commenced electricity generation following the successful completion of construction and rigorous internal testing.

According to Project Chief Darshanik Kafle, the electricity was connected to the national grid after thorough testing of the powerhouse turbines, electrical equipment, and transmission infrastructure. The connection was made via the Dana Substation under the Kaligandaki Corridor transmission line, with technical verification carried out by representatives from the Electricity Development Board, Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), and the contractor company.

“The project will undergo a trial operation period of around 20 days, and if no technical issues arise, it will begin commercial power generation soon after,” said Kafle.

🚧 Challenging Construction, Lasting Impact

The project began its journey in 2077 BS with the construction of a 13-kilometer access road from Besigaun to Lekgaun, easing transport not only for the project but also for local residents. Civil works on the main infrastructure kicked off in 2079 BS.

Although construction was originally targeted for completion a year earlier, flood damage to the dam and intake structure delayed progress. Despite harsh terrain, landslides, and other natural challenges, the project team persevered.

The powerhouse now hosts two turbines, fed by water channeled through a 3,500-meter-long penstock pipeline. Infrastructure such as a retention pond, inlet, descender outlet, and four-way junction was developed at the dam site in Relekhkar. The water discharge head at the powerhouse in Hariswara is 510 meters.

A 4.3-kilometer, 33 kV transmission line has been built to connect the powerhouse to the Dana substation, enabling smooth power flow into the national grid.

💰 Investment & Partnership

The total cost of the project stands at Rs 1.35 billion, with 70% of the financing provided by Himalayan Bank and Rastriya Banijya Bank.

Key contractors include:

• 🏗 Sakura Power Construction – Civil works

• ⚙️ Workshop Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd. – Hydro-mechanical components

• 🔌 Fellow Energy Pvt. Ltd. (India) – Electro-mechanical installation

“The terrain was unforgiving—steep hills, floods, and landslides were constant obstacles,” shared Homanath Pandey, the project’s Public Relations Officer. “But we’ve turned adversity into achievement.”

⚡ A Growing Hydropower Hub

Narchyang is fast emerging as a hydropower hub. Several major projects in the region have already been connected to the national system, including:

• 🔹 110 MW Nilgiri One and Nilgiri Cassette Projects

• 🔹 5 MW Ghalemdikhola Hydropower Project

• 🔹 42 MW Mistrikhola Hydropower Project

With Relekhola now contributing to Nepal’s energy mix, the region continues to play a vital role in supporting renewable energy goals, energy security, and local infrastructure development.

📸 Images & Content Courtesy: 

📰 Source: UrjaSanchar.com